Hoka Clifton 9 Review | Still Worth It In 2026?
In this article, I’m going to share my HONEST Hoka Clifton 9 review for those who are wondering whether they are still WORTH IT in 2026.
As an outdoor gear tester with 15 years of experience testing walking shoes, I recommend these for users looking for a well-cushioned, stable, and durable shoe.
For this review, I have put in over 100+ miles of road running, walking, and light path running into testing my own personal pair of the Clifton 9 since their release. I’m very familiar with how they feel and perform on pavement and packed gravel.
I’m very familiar with how they feel and perform on the road and trails. I’ll go over comfort, traction, stability & support , weight, durability and overall value. I’ll be giving a score of each category based on OBJECTIVE testing standards and an overall score with recommendations at the end.
Editor’s Note: We updated this review on 12/17/25, with new insights on traction testing and further photo proof for durability.
The Clifton 9 introduces several meaningful updates that address feedback from previous models:
- Added 3mm stack height back from the Clifton 7 after the reduction seen in the Clifton 8
- Redesigned breathable engineered knit upper removes overlays and hotmelts for improved comfort
- Increased Durabrasion rubber coverage in high-wear outsole areas enhances longevity
These changes maintain the core identity of the Clifton line while addressing some of the durability and comfort concerns from previous iterations.
Our Verdict
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a great combination of plush and a light agile ride. At 12 oz with a 32mm forefoot and 37mm heel stack, it’s light for the amount of cushioning. Best for daily training, easy runs , it’s great for comfortable miles not speed work, and of course walking.
The EVA midsole is much softer than average shoes, but energy return is limited. Fits true to size but narrow width may not be for wide footed runners. It competes with top running shoes in its class.
After hundreds of miles and various conditions, it’s clear this is a reliable workhorse that delivers comfort and Hoka’s staple light ride. Even with the recent release of the Clifton 10, the 9 is still a very reliable option.
Related: Hoka Clifton 10 vs 9 | Which Is Better in 2026?
Hoka Clifton 9 Pros And Cons
- New and improved upper
- Soft cushioning
- Stable platform, meta-rocker
- Reliable and durable
- Narrow
- Price
- Lacks sensitivity and ground feel
Compare To Similar Products
Excellent daily trainer as well as walking shoe. Maximum cushion with moderate heel drop. One of the best universal shoes
Versatile trail runner. Made for the hardcore trail runner with exceptional stability and traction. Lacks upper comfort
Exellent daily trainer, recovery runner, as well as walking shoe. Improved cushioning as well as higher heel drop from previous model. Top-tier comfort
Should you buy the Hoka Clifton 9 ?
Buy if
- You want one of the most COMFORTABLE walking shoes on the market
- You loved the Clifton 8 but are looking forward to the new height stack
- Those wanting lightweight protection for high weekly mileage
- Runners who prefer a stable platform with a distinctive rocker shape
DON’T Buy if
- You prefer ultralightweight shoes
- Wide-footed runners needing extra room in toe box and midfoot
- Runners wanting exceptional energy return for faster paces
Hoka Clifton 9 Price
Right now, the Clifton 9 retails for $150. With the best deals on Hoka.com.
Check For The Lowest Price On The Clifton 9
Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂
Hoka Clifton 9 Comfort : 8.5/10
The Clifton 9 scores very well for comfort. The plush design is perfect for recovery days and easy runs. The forefoot is more firm for stability than the previous iteration.
I felt the midsole was very cushioned, however it did not lack firmness towards the outside. Unlike most heavily cushioned running shoes, the Clifton 9 Does not feel overly “bouncy” or have that maximalist underfoot feel. The “firmness” is comparable to the Hoka Challenger 7.
The engineered knit upper is a big improvement over the Clifton 8, with a more roomy fit and secure lockdown. The semi-gusseted tongue stays in place and has 6.6mm of padding to protect the top of the foot without bulk over being overly compressive.
Where the comfort score loses half a point is the narrowness, which will cause pressure points for runners with wider feet. Even in standard width, the toe box tapers aggressively and will cause discomfort during longer runs as feet swell. We measured the toe box at 2.8 inches.
After my first 8 mile test run in 2023, my feet felt super fresh in the cushioned midsole but I noticed some toe squeezing that wouldn’t be an issue in a wider toe box.
Stack Height and Heel To Toe Drop
The Clifton 9’s generous cushioning is evident in its measurements:
- 32 mm heel stack height, matching the proven Clifton 7 dimensions
- 26.6mm forefoot stack offers substantial protection for forefoot strikers
- 5.9 mm measured heel-to-toe drop closely aligns with the official 5mm specification
These stack heights position the shoe as a true max-cushion daily trainer without venturing into the extreme territory of Hoka’s Bondi line, see Hoka Clifton 9 vs Bondi 9. The result is ample cushioning that doesn’t feel excessive, striking a good balance for everyday training
Traction: 8/10
The Clifton 9’s traction was impressive on uneven terrain as well as flat pavement. Hoka features Durabrasion rubber in high wear areas and left some foam exposed to save weight.
The outsole itself is quite soft; it will tend to wear quicker than other more firm outsoles. The softness also compromises traction on uneven terrain as it conforms to the surface quite easily. I had some issues holding traction while moving up inclines of 15° or more, the shoe itself is very malleable therefore I lost my footing on these higher inclines.
Our testing showed a below average grip on wet terrain, so be careful on slippery surfaces. This was most noticeable on rainy flat pavement after the outsole gets some wear after about 50 miles. On dry roads and light trails the outsole is fine with a stable grip.
If you run mostly on dry roads and avoid uneven terrain the traction will be fine. If you run in wet conditions often you may want to look for shoes with more aggressive tread, like the Hoka Transport.
Overall, The traction of the Clifton 9 is great however will begin to wear down after 50 miles.
Stability & Support 8.5/10
Despite its stack height, the Clifton 9 provides impressive stability during our standardized testing. The forefoot midsole width creates a stable landing platform that inspires confidence on uneven terrain. This is complemented by a 97 mm heel width that ranks among some of widest platforms we have tested to date.
The shoe’s torsion stability is excellent, some of the best in its class. Clifton 9 prevents side rolling during runs and allows for flex during forefoot toe off. The shoe itself provides excellent support around the Achilles region with excellent heel stiffness.
Many users will appreciate how the Clifton 9 balances max cushioning with a stable platform. This is particularly beneficial for longer distances when form tends to deteriorate, as the shoe helps maintain proper alignment without feeling controlling or overly rigid.
The inside of the Clifton 9 hugs your foot without compromising any areas of compression. The inside membrane doesn’t allow any sort of internal foot movement, therefore delivering nice midfoot stability on any difficult terrain.
The biggest difference I noted is the platform stability in the Clifton 9’s. Usually after 6 miles my form begins to break down however, the stable platform keeps me going without any areas of instability throughout my foot which I usually experience with heavily cushioned shoes.
Weight 8.5/10
We weighed them at 12 oz (340g) for a men’s size 10.5, for reference they are 13% heavier than the Merrell Agility Peak 5. They are 0.11 oz (4g) lighter than the Clifton 8 with more cushioning, which is very impressive.
What’s impressive about this weight is the amount of cushioning. Many shoes with the same stack height weigh a lot more. The Clifton 9 is the perfect option for runners who want maximum cushioning without the weight penalty.
The engineering here is not to be understated – Hoka has managed to get 32mm of forefoot cushioning in a shoe under 12 oz. This is a big part of why the shoe is a daily trainer that can handle recovery jogs and longer runs without feeling heavy, also don’t forget about the meta rocker geometry aiding in your stride.
Durability 7.5/10
While the Durabrasion rubber is an upgrade from the Clifton 8, the exposed foam on the outsole still leads to premature wear compared to fully rubberized shoes.
After 100+ miles of testing wear patterns showed:
- Moderate outsole wear on the lateral heel and medial forefoot
- Some midsole foam compression, especially in the heel area
- Upper Jacquard is excellent with no signs of premature breakdown
You can get a 300+ mile lifespan with proper rotation in a runner’s shoe,so it’s a good value at this price. Heavier users may compress the midsole foam faster and reduce the shoe’s lifespan.
However the soft rubber will tend to wear quicker than most firm running shoes. That is a trade-off you get for durability when it comes to a very comfortable running shoe.
Overall, the Clifton 9 is made with extreme quality materials, however it is the engineering that brings a shorter lifespan to this model. The durability suffers slightly with the increased stack and foam usage.
Is the Hoka Clifton 9 worth it?
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a solid workhorse for daily training miles. 8.8 oz for 32mm of stack and this much cushioning is impressive.
$150 is not cheap but competitive for a premium daily trainer and you can get 300+ miles out of it. With the Clifton 10 out, prices are dropping on the Clifton 9, therefore you may be able to get a better deal.
The narrow fit is the biggest limitation for most buyers so it’s only for those with narrower feet or willing to size up. For runners who prioritize comfort over speed in their daily rotation, the Clifton 9 delivers a smooth ride with plenty of cushioning in a surprisingly light package.
After testing the Clifton 9 extensively, it’s one of the most popular shoes in the maximalist daily trainer category. It’s not the most versatile, nor the most responsive but it’s great at what it’s supposed to do: comfortable, cushioned miles that keep your legs feeling fresh day after day.
The Hoka Clifton 9 is a good shoe that refines what made the Clifton line so loved by runners looking for the perfect balance of cushioning and weight in their everyday training shoes.
For under $150, it’s tough to match the Clifton 9’s performance and value.
The strengths of this shoe is the comfort, support, heel stiffness, and performance!
Other shoes to consider would be the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3 with a wider fit and similar cushioning. Consider the Speedgoat 6 or Speedgoat 5 if you are looking for more stability, traction, and durability.
Value: 4.5/5
Scoring Breakdown
Comfort & Fit : 8.5/10
Traction : 8/10
Stability & Support : 8.5/10
Weight : 8.5/10
Durability : 7.5/10
Value : 4.5 / 5
Total: 45.5/55
Our Rating: 8.3 / 10
At the time of this writing, the Clifton 9 are priced at $150, however with the recent release of the Clifton 10 the price may drop further.
Get the Best Deal on the Hoka Clifton 9
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hoka Clifton 9 good for?
The Clifton 9 is an excellent walking shoe and daily road running shoe. It excels at recovery runs and long, slow distance runs on pavement. While it can handle flat, packed dirt paths, it is not recommended for technical trail running due to the exposed foam outsole and lack of aggressive lugs.
Is The Bondi 8 Or Clifton 9 Better?
The Clifton 9 is better for daily running, trail running, and recovery runs. The Bondi 8 is best for daily walking.
How Long Will The Hoka Clifton 9 Last For?
This depends on how often they are used, however the shoe itself has shown to be dependable up to 400 miles. This depends on the usage of terrain of course.
Which Is Better: Clifton 10 or 9?
This depends on your goals! Both are excellent for running and walking. The Clifton 10 is better for users who want more cushion as well as heel strikers due to the increased heel to toe drop. The Clifton 9 is best for heel and midfoot strikers.
Is The Hoka Clifton 9 Being Discontinued?
Technically no, the Clifton 9 is not being discontinued. However they are not manufacturing more with the emergence of the Clifton 10, the 9 is still available at the time of this writing.
Should I size up or down in the Hoka Clifton 9?
There is no need to size up or down in the Clifton 9, they fit me perfectly during my testing at a men’s 10.5. Some users may find the 9 to be narrow therefore sizing up a half size may help.
How We Tested and Our Methodology
I personally tested the Hoka Clifton 9 since its early release in 2023 with further testing into late 2025. This is to give you the most accurate testing results possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.
Over the past 15+ years, I’ve logged thousands of miles testing walking shoes in hospitals, asphalt, daily walks, and hiking paths. Few testers can match the real-world experience I bring in evaluating walking shoes for true versatility and performance.
We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.
Tyler is the founder Mountaineer Journey and a professional Mountain Guide with 15+ years of technical experience in trekking, mountaineering, and trail sports. Having logged thousands of miles from rugged alpine summits to urban paths, Tyler provides rigorous, field-tested insights on hiking, walking, and trail running gear. All reviews are 100% unsponsored and unbiased, ensuring you get honest scoring based on real-world performance. His mission is to help outdoor enthusiasts of all levels find reliable equipment that ensures comfort, safety, and performance on any terrain.
